DAVAO CITY — The Department of Agriculture-Davao Region has officially expanded the region’s pineapple exports to Saudi Arabia, marking a significant milestone in Mindanao’s growing agricultural trade. On June 6, 2026, a send-off ceremony was held at the Unifrutti Wharf in Tibungco for shipments from Avante Agri-Products Philippines Inc. and Mensch Filam Trading. The cargo consists of 1,500 boxes of fresh pineapples, bound for Khorfakkan Port in the United Arab Emirates en route to Saudi Arabia.
DA-Davao highlighted that the export underscores the quality, safety, and competitiveness of locally produced pineapples. The expansion opens greater market opportunities for farmers and agribusiness stakeholders across the region. It reflects rising international demand for Davao-grown pineapples and the continued growth of Philippine agricultural exports in the Middle East.
A Growing Market for Davao's Golden Fruit
The inclusion of Saudi Arabia as a new export destination builds on an already impressive international footprint. Davao pineapples are currently shipped to key markets including China, Japan, and South Korea, with smaller volumes also reaching New Zealand and Sudan. The Saudi expansion signals confidence in the region’s production capacity and post-harvest quality standards. It also demonstrates the ability of local exporters to meet the stringent import requirements of Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
The send-off ceremony brought together stakeholders from the export industry, logistics sector, and government agencies in a unified show of support. DA-Davao reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening market access programs and partnerships that enhance the global competitiveness of local agricultural products. The agency has been working closely with exporters to streamline phytosanitary certification and trade facilitation, ensuring that Davao produce can enter new markets efficiently.
Government Support Boosts Agricultural Trade
DA-Davao’s active role in promoting export expansion is central to the region’s agricultural growth strategy. The agency provides technical assistance, market intelligence, and logistical support to agribusiness enterprises seeking to enter or expand in international markets. The pineapple export expansion exemplifies how government and private sector collaboration can open new revenue streams for farmers and processors.
The economic benefits extend beyond the exporting companies themselves. Increased export demand stimulates upstream activities, from farm-level production to packing house operations and transport services. Smallholder pineapple farmers in Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Davao de Oro stand to benefit directly from the expanded market access. As international buyers place larger orders, local producers gain more stable incomes and greater incentives to invest in quality improvement.
Davao Region Leads Pineapple Production
The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that Davao Region produced 27,511.65 metric tons of pineapples in 2024, marking a 0.4 percent increase from the previous year. The region’s pineapple industry remains one of the country’s top fruit crop sectors, with Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Davao de Oro serving as the primary production areas. The consistent output growth supports the region’s ambitions to reach more international buyers.
The export expansion aligns with the national government’s broader push to strengthen agricultural trade under the Bagong Pilipinas agenda. By diversifying export markets, Davao reduces its dependence on traditional buyers while building resilience against market fluctuations. As the shipment of 1,500 boxes heads to the Middle East, it carries not just pineapples but the promise of sustained economic growth for Mindanao’s agricultural communities.
